NBA: Raptors (-3) vs Bulls $

Nick Nurse has a new coaching philosophy that is making him look even more brilliant than he was previously. He simply puts his starters to start of the game and doesn’t take them out. Repeat this process for the next game and grind the Raptors back into the playoffs. The Raptors have now won three in a row including two wins over the previously first place Heat.

It is a good strategy if you have the youth, talent, and health to pull it off. Luckily for Nurse, he does have all these things. Gary Trent is playing out of his mind right now scoring 30+ point in a franchise record 5th consecutive game. Fred VanVleet should be named to his first NBA All-Star game tonight. Scottie Barnes has been a pleasant surprise and is averaging over 36 minutes a game. Pascal Siakam is also now hitting the prime of his career.

The Bulls have cooled off a bit after a torrid start to the season, but still find themselves in first place in the east after Miami’s recent struggles. They are still missing Ball and Carruso which has slowed them a bit. I suspect they will slide to the two or three spot as they prepare for their return to the post-season.

I am going to ride the Raptors for as long as they remain hot and healthy. This would be another statement win for them tonight.

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NBA odds provided by Odds Shark. Posted lines are of writing time.